Photodecarboxylation of arylacetic acids induced by light-sensitive Hg2F2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(99)00269-5

Photolysis of arylacetic acids in argon-saturated acetonitrile in the presence of Hg₂F₂ gives the corresponding 1,2-diarylethanes as the major product via a radical pathway. This reaction offers an interesting procedure for selective decarboxylation of arylacetic acids with the assistance of a light-sensitive compound.